LAMBA LEDA – Thousands of individuals remain displaced on Indonesia’s island of Flores following a devastating earthquake that struck early Saturday morning. The disaster has claimed at least 68 lives, injured over 200 people, and left thousands of homes in ruins. The emotional toll on children, in particular, has been profound, with many grappling with fear and trauma in the aftermath.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, more than 19,000 people are currently seeking refuge in tents, evacuation centers, and makeshift camps. The earthquake has damaged at least 4,500 homes and has impacted critical infrastructure, including 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship.
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The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) shortly before 6 a.m., initially triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted. The U.S. Geological Survey has recorded over 2,100 aftershocks as of Tuesday, though only about 70 were felt by residents. The lingering tremors have kept fear alive in the hearts of many survivors.
Vincentius Rano, a resident of Lamba Leda, one of the most severely impacted villages in East Manggarai regency, recounted the harrowing experience of the earthquake. “Suddenly, we felt a tremor that kept getting stronger,” he said. Rano and his wife rushed to save their sleeping daughter, but the roof of their home collapsed before they could escape, injuring Rano in the process.
“We didn’t have time to get outside. Everything happened so fast. The roof collapsed on us, and all I could do was shield my wife and child with my back,” Rano explained, gesturing toward the ruins of their modest timber home.
At evacuation camps across Flores, children can be seen playing under tarpaulin shelters while aid workers provide essential services, including food and medical assistance. The psychological impact of the earthquake has been particularly acute for children, many of whom are struggling to cope with the fear and anxiety it has induced.
Local police chief Yudhi Franata has emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional needs of survivors, particularly children. He has organized trauma-healing sessions for those affected in Ende regency, where children engage in games and educational activities designed to help them process their experiences.
In Ende’s village of Lokoboko, 17 children participated in these sessions, which aim to foster group interactions and alleviate fears that have manifested since the quake. Parents at the evacuation centers have reported that many children are reluctant to return indoors and often wake up frightened by aftershocks.
“Children are among the groups that need special attention after experiencing a disaster,” Franata stated, highlighting the need for ongoing support and care.
Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands, is no stranger to natural disasters, frequently experiencing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The island of Flores itself has a tragic history, having suffered one of the deadliest disasters in 1992 when an earthquake and subsequent tsunami claimed around 2,500 lives. As the island grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy, the resilience and recovery of its people will be a testament to their strength in the face of adversity.
